Opera, Checkpoint Charlie un Annette
Author: Dita Rietuma0 COMMENTS
Sofia - a city somewhere in between of the world of socialism and that of capitalism. Also a target of business-like Latvians, aiming at some cheep real estates, located in Bulgaria, thereby hoping to get on the crest of a wave in the near future. (Bulgaria, EU member since January 1, can, most probably, expect a similar leap of real estate prices, as it has happened in Latvia.) The infrastructure of Sofia - more socialistic in its character, while the mode of life - more capitalistic. Good natured and always and everywhere smoking people. The older generation of Bulgarians speaks fluent Russian, the younger ones - English. The most enjoyable impressions during the few days, spent in Sofia, are related to its restaurants, cafés, pubs and small bars.
Opera
The crossing of Rakovski and Dondukov streets. A sagging building, with characteristic features of the "Stalin-time" architecture, is easy to pass by without noticing - it's not at all the white house of the National opera in Riga. Also a man, carved in stone, standing at one of its corners, seems to be quite gloomy. Yet inside awaits the very same Opera restaurant that my friend, who had lived in Sofia for quite a time, had recommended, and very soon it manages to earn much appreciation. Situated in the basement of the Opera house, it proves to have deserved epithets like "chic and stylish as Oziriss" (a restaurant in Riga), but at night it transforms into a lively and groovy Deco bar (a bar at Berga Bazar, Riga, in the 90ies), thus becoming the most enjoyable discovery in Sofia.
Those, living in Riga, whose restaurant activities date back into couple of decade's old history, will understand comparison of its interior as somewhat similar to the big hall of the restaurant Riga, as it once was. A spacious room, with a massive ceiling, lavishly decorated with moldings. One might think that it would match with a classical furnishing. But no - decorative moldings, combined with a black marble, Italian Kartell lamps and designer chairs, creates lofty post modernistic, yet so amiable space.
Also cuisine (fusion) brings genuine satisfaction, indeed!
Figures: 3 persons - coffee, salad, main course, desert and a bottle of Bulgarian white wine No Man's Land - total of 90 levas or 50 euro.
113 Rakovski St. Tel. 9882141
Checkpoint Charlie
It is one of the most visited restaurants in the central part of Sofia. No one can explain its Berlinish name - Checkpoint Charlie. It's located near the corner of Rakovska and Ivan Vazov streets. A table there should be booked in good time, especially if you wish to go there on a Friday night. Bulgarians prefer to eat out then, yet they are good cooks and they know how to enjoy themselves without any scruples. Except a few black and white photocopies from the 60ies of the last century as well as some inscription in German, no other connection with Berlin can be found there. The interior is quite simple, with just some features in glass, here and there. Made from blue and red glass are the restrooms' doors, too, right at the entrance, opposite the bar. Another glass object is a big window, like an embrasure or an aquarium that separates a restaurant's hall from the kitchen. Through the bluish glass one can catch glimpse of cooks, bustling in the kitchen - somewhat resembling fish in an aquarium - frying, simmering, tasting and serving onto plates. The cuisine - fusion style with at the same time dominating Bulgarian flavors and megalomania in the amounts of servings.
On Friday nights there is "served" also live music in the sounds of jazz.
Figures: four persons - coffee, salad, main course, desert and 2 bottles of white whine No Man's Land. Total of 190 levas or 100 euros.
12 Ivan Vazov St. Tel.9880370
Moroccan restaurant Annette
A cozy restaurant with small tables for four. Walls, from floor to ceiling jagged with numerous small bays, with little, traditional style lampions. Hanging from the ceiling are more lampions, stars and other decorations. The most attractive offer in the menu are appetizers, named "6 to 10" or even "10 to 10" (for 24 levas). From a big tray with samples, brought by a waiter, everyone is free to choose which of small bowls to take. Initially, the choice is based on visual impression, however, delicious are both - the 6 ones and the whole 10 too.
The most wonderful thing on the table appears in the shape of a teapot, adorned in Moroccan style ornaments and a lovely cover, to spare ones fingers from burning. Steep stairs leads to the second floor, where some time can be whiled away, relaxing on comfortable lunges.
27 Angel Kunchev St.
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